Monday 2 August 2010

Culture Crash

I spent two weeks in Japan and Korea and they were worlds apart from anywhere else I have been. The culture and the people were so different, and here is my brief guide of what to expect:

1. Japan:
- Never say no, the Japanese society is very much a "yes" nation. You don't want to lose face and this is not accepted by the Japanese society!
- Tokyo is one of the safest cities I've ever seen. It is very common not to lock up your door. You can trust your neighbour in this country.
- Never give a tip at a restaurant or in a bar.
- If you ask a Japanese person for directions, he/she will show by accompanying you to your final destination.
- As a female business woman you must not wear a short skirt. Your skirt has to be lower than your knees. The conservative way is always the right way. Black is better than a white dress.
- Never look too deep in the eyes of another person, especially between a man and a woman.
- The door of a cab opens automatically.
- Never enter a house with your shoes on, you must wear slippers.
- Japanese apologize for quite everything.

- The breakfast includes heavy food like fish, rice, soup and fruits.
- Showing emotions in public is forbidden. Kissing on the streets and holding hands too.
- Most people own a bike instead of a car. The train system is very good.
- Girls dress up like dolls. Fancy and cheesy is the trend. Japanese love to wear different clothes other than  the conservative dress sense in business.
- The Japanese don't talk in the train. They love silence.
- White is beautiful.
- The Japanese can't party at all. They prefer Karaoke with close friends.


2. Korea
- Cabs are very cheap, but you have to be careful of the price. They will try to let you pay more than a local. They usually jump red lights.
- It's very difficult to find someone who can speak English.
- Korean food is very spicy.
- Koreans are less conservative than the Japanese.
- They don't like silence and are upfront to others.
- White is beautiful.
- Karaoke is the trend in Korea. They also like to dance.
- They like eating dry fish instead of potato chips.

- You'll find in Korea different meals than in Japan. A lot of the food are insects!

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